Sexual harassment claims against Members of the Legislature: settlement payments.

The Government Claims Act governs the liability and immunity of public entities and their officers and employees, claims and actions against public entities and their officers and employees, insurance indemnification, and the defense of public officers and employees. Under existing law, claims under the Government Claims Act include tort claims as well as certain contract claims. This bill would, in an action alleging conduct by a Member of the Legislature that constitutes sexual harassment, as defined, prohibit either house of the Legislature from paying any compromise or settlement of the action.